SECTION THREE
IT’S NOT ABOUT ME, IT’S ABOUT WE
Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the stairway leading onward and upward toward the Father. The Lord descended, to help us ascend as a family unit. God is renewing and preserving the covenant to restore His light unto those ready to receive. Rejoice, for you are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world; shine that light and glorify God. Let God’s light flow from every inch of your soul as a song rejoicing for God’s harmonious love, inviting mankind to unite. Love unites the light from heaven with the earth to create a city that shines the light of God unto all the world. Christ offers the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, Luke 6 & 3 Nephi 12.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit (who come unto me,) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
God has carefully formed and molded you into a work of art so His kingdom could grow within your heart and it’s through adversity that you’re transformed. We are all poor in spirit and in need of His redeeming grace, but we are blessed to inherit the Kingdom if we are cohesive and coherent with His plan.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
Pain and joy are tightly intertwined because God walks the trail of tears with you. In times of extreme sorrow, the Lord descends the mountain to assist your ascension climb. God is amidst the raging storm so that you will not be overcome. How beautiful will that day be when the trial and the blessing will feel like an equal opportunity to know God. How glorious are the children of God who thank the Lord by mourning with those who mourn; walking alongside those in their hour of need.
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
When man rises with the strength of Goliath, he shall also fall into the depths of the earth, but the man forgiven of the greater debt can appreciate the Father’s gift and submit to the Shepherd’s call. Your soul remembers the abundant nature of God’s blessings from the tree of everlasting life and hungers to live in peace and harmony as the gardeners of Eden.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled (with the Holy Ghost.)”
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to get into Heaven because you take on the image of whatever has your attention, either that of God or that of the world. Those who seek righteousness are focusing on God and your eye will be filled with light and your whole body will possess the Spirit of God. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
Treat every human as a fellow image of God; offer mercy to one another and ye shall receive God’s mercy. Forgive and ye shall be forgiven. Love and ye shall be loved. Serve and ye shall be served. God’s omnipotent power unites the children of God as one body of Christ, “If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” (Mark 3:24)
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Children are pure in their innocence; even shall you be when you hath love in your heart for your Heavenly Father. “The day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in Him and by Him. Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me.” (D&C 88:49-50)
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
The lion and lamb shall lay down together and peacefully co-exist in God’s Kingdom. There are none who can be found worthy of creating such peace by their own merit, it must be through the love of God, for He loves the just and the unjust. “For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)
“Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for my name’s sake) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake (for ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad.)”
The world is blind from the shadows of iniquity so avoid worldly admiration. Build your house on the rock of the Redeemer and you’ll withstand the winds and storms of chance. Rejoice for the Kingdom of Heaven shall stand with you on the day of your persecution. When you stand for God, He stands with you.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit (who come unto me,) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
God has carefully formed and molded you into a work of art so His kingdom could grow within your heart and it’s through adversity that you’re transformed. We are all poor in spirit and in need of His redeeming grace, but we are blessed to inherit the Kingdom if we are cohesive and coherent with His plan.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
Pain and joy are tightly intertwined because God walks the trail of tears with you. In times of extreme sorrow, the Lord descends the mountain to assist your ascension climb. God is amidst the raging storm so that you will not be overcome. How beautiful will that day be when the trial and the blessing will feel like an equal opportunity to know God. How glorious are the children of God who thank the Lord by mourning with those who mourn; walking alongside those in their hour of need.
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
When man rises with the strength of Goliath, he shall also fall into the depths of the earth, but the man forgiven of the greater debt can appreciate the Father’s gift and submit to the Shepherd’s call. Your soul remembers the abundant nature of God’s blessings from the tree of everlasting life and hungers to live in peace and harmony as the gardeners of Eden.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled (with the Holy Ghost.)”
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to get into Heaven because you take on the image of whatever has your attention, either that of God or that of the world. Those who seek righteousness are focusing on God and your eye will be filled with light and your whole body will possess the Spirit of God. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
Treat every human as a fellow image of God; offer mercy to one another and ye shall receive God’s mercy. Forgive and ye shall be forgiven. Love and ye shall be loved. Serve and ye shall be served. God’s omnipotent power unites the children of God as one body of Christ, “If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” (Mark 3:24)
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Children are pure in their innocence; even shall you be when you hath love in your heart for your Heavenly Father. “The day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in Him and by Him. Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me.” (D&C 88:49-50)
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
The lion and lamb shall lay down together and peacefully co-exist in God’s Kingdom. There are none who can be found worthy of creating such peace by their own merit, it must be through the love of God, for He loves the just and the unjust. “For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)
“Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for my name’s sake) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake (for ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad.)”
The world is blind from the shadows of iniquity so avoid worldly admiration. Build your house on the rock of the Redeemer and you’ll withstand the winds and storms of chance. Rejoice for the Kingdom of Heaven shall stand with you on the day of your persecution. When you stand for God, He stands with you.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)
The Iron Rod
“Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion.” (D&C 132:8)
Jesus Christ, the son of God, was born into a mortal body and divided by the veil to become just like us. He walked and lived the pathway back to God the Father with a mighty emphasis on the resurrection. Christ died and descended below us to lift us up so we can rise with Him. Likewise, we must help lift each other and then we shall ascend together as one body of Christ, unto the Father.
You must first “set in order your own house.” (D&C 93:44) Otherwise, you’ll be afflicted with torment due to loss within your family, which prevents light from entering or remaining in you. “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.” (D&C 93:40) A candle gives light unto all those in the house, so let your light shine to show the way for all God’s children to see the works of His majesty and glory. “ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Therefore, as you receive a fullness of joy, your family will be likewise blessed through the sealing power given unto families. This is not isolated to the living, but to the dead as well.
We are the family of God, working together as one body of Christ. God’s mission is to bring His whole family back into His Kingdom. Your ancestors for many generations past may be angelic influencers that seek to direct your path. They respect your agency and await the invitation to help you through life’s struggles. Likewise, some may be lost souls who cannot comprehend the light so you’re influenced by the “lost” and the “found.” You can be a light for the lost when they choose to be found. This will not hurt nor drag you into the gulf of woes, it will enlighten and bring forth joy. You’ve inherited many generations of blessings, but you have also inherited many generations of sorrow. All are borne at the cross of our Savior to any who are willing to surrender those burdens to God. Death is symbolic of allowing your worldly ways to pass away, to become new, to be part of the tree of life once again. Death is an awakening, not an ending; there is life after death so death hath no sting nor fear corrupt your tender thoughts. This sacred work is offered for the dead by those who are living, “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” (Malachi 4:6)
God’s tree is life under God’s authority. The prophet Lehi had a vision of the tree of life and it’s recorded in 1 Nephi chapter 8. The tree symbolizes God’s love, the fruit is the atonement and the iron rod leading the path to the tree is the word of God. The tree of life is a living family tree; God is the tree and we are the branches that have been broken off, but Christ is the vine that is stretched out as an iron rod leading the path back home. God loves all His children and will not forsake anyone who seeks to receive Him.
The Lord teaches us the parable of the olive vineyard in Jacob chapter 5 and John 15. This is your spiritual genealogy, the history of the world, and your potential intermingled into one incredible parable. We are blessed with a dedicated and loving Father who’s pruning out corruption from His vineyard and nourishing it for the last time. It grieves God to lose that which is most precious to Him. So God, being the tree of life, sends Christ as the vine to swing forth throughout the vineyard to the branches of the olive trees, “I am the vine, ye are the branches.” (John 15:5) If you grab hold of the vine, it directly connects you to the Father’s tree of life. The vine is the Lord’s outstretched hand, as sturdy as a rod iron rail, inviting us to unite with the Savior and become perfected in Him. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 15: 4-5)
Do not fear transformation unto the Lord, for He will not uproot you from your home and family, nor will He force growth more speedily than your roots can withhold. Trust in His divine wisdom and ultimate intelligence to know what’s best; do not council the Lord, take council from the Lord. (Jacob 4:10) This parable is complete and this knowledge can strengthen natural faith in God’s commitment and ability to succeed for those who choose to follow the path. “They became like unto one body; and the fruits were equal; and the Lord of the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was the most precious unto him from the beginning.” (Jacob 5:74) There is no greater love than one who lays down His life for His friends, “Ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard.” (Jacob 5:75) We are the Lord’s friends if we do His works, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.“ (John 15:8)
You must first “set in order your own house.” (D&C 93:44) Otherwise, you’ll be afflicted with torment due to loss within your family, which prevents light from entering or remaining in you. “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.” (D&C 93:40) A candle gives light unto all those in the house, so let your light shine to show the way for all God’s children to see the works of His majesty and glory. “ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Therefore, as you receive a fullness of joy, your family will be likewise blessed through the sealing power given unto families. This is not isolated to the living, but to the dead as well.
We are the family of God, working together as one body of Christ. God’s mission is to bring His whole family back into His Kingdom. Your ancestors for many generations past may be angelic influencers that seek to direct your path. They respect your agency and await the invitation to help you through life’s struggles. Likewise, some may be lost souls who cannot comprehend the light so you’re influenced by the “lost” and the “found.” You can be a light for the lost when they choose to be found. This will not hurt nor drag you into the gulf of woes, it will enlighten and bring forth joy. You’ve inherited many generations of blessings, but you have also inherited many generations of sorrow. All are borne at the cross of our Savior to any who are willing to surrender those burdens to God. Death is symbolic of allowing your worldly ways to pass away, to become new, to be part of the tree of life once again. Death is an awakening, not an ending; there is life after death so death hath no sting nor fear corrupt your tender thoughts. This sacred work is offered for the dead by those who are living, “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” (Malachi 4:6)
God’s tree is life under God’s authority. The prophet Lehi had a vision of the tree of life and it’s recorded in 1 Nephi chapter 8. The tree symbolizes God’s love, the fruit is the atonement and the iron rod leading the path to the tree is the word of God. The tree of life is a living family tree; God is the tree and we are the branches that have been broken off, but Christ is the vine that is stretched out as an iron rod leading the path back home. God loves all His children and will not forsake anyone who seeks to receive Him.
The Lord teaches us the parable of the olive vineyard in Jacob chapter 5 and John 15. This is your spiritual genealogy, the history of the world, and your potential intermingled into one incredible parable. We are blessed with a dedicated and loving Father who’s pruning out corruption from His vineyard and nourishing it for the last time. It grieves God to lose that which is most precious to Him. So God, being the tree of life, sends Christ as the vine to swing forth throughout the vineyard to the branches of the olive trees, “I am the vine, ye are the branches.” (John 15:5) If you grab hold of the vine, it directly connects you to the Father’s tree of life. The vine is the Lord’s outstretched hand, as sturdy as a rod iron rail, inviting us to unite with the Savior and become perfected in Him. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 15: 4-5)
Do not fear transformation unto the Lord, for He will not uproot you from your home and family, nor will He force growth more speedily than your roots can withhold. Trust in His divine wisdom and ultimate intelligence to know what’s best; do not council the Lord, take council from the Lord. (Jacob 4:10) This parable is complete and this knowledge can strengthen natural faith in God’s commitment and ability to succeed for those who choose to follow the path. “They became like unto one body; and the fruits were equal; and the Lord of the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was the most precious unto him from the beginning.” (Jacob 5:74) There is no greater love than one who lays down His life for His friends, “Ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard.” (Jacob 5:75) We are the Lord’s friends if we do His works, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.“ (John 15:8)
- The fruits of knowledge: The results of someone’s deeds can appear as evidence; this is symbolized as the fruit of the knowledge of good or evil. Many of us hold onto the knowledge of evil to prove as evidence for acts of injustice done against us or as self-inflicted punishment. You might be tempted by the awareness of acts of injustice, symbolized by focusing your attention on the fruit of evil. You might be holding onto the evidence. symbolized as holding the fruit of evil in your hand. You might be partaking of the fruit of evil and becoming corrupted with contention or fear. You might be tempting others to partake by seeking validation, spreading gossip or multiplying this fruit with your own deeds; symbolized by offering this fruit to others.
- Sacrifice the fruit: Visualize returning the evidence or the fruit of knowledge of evil and place it onto the altar of the Lord as a sacrifice. You must let go of this fruit, if you are to hold on to the iron rod and follow the path laid with obedience and sacrifice. What are you holding that implies distractive forces misleading thine eyes? Put down all that is adversarial to the Lord or distracting thine attention away from the Creator’s entrance into thine heart.
- Repent: You may be unaware of any need to repent, but when your heart has strayed due to a lack of unity with the Lord thy God, thou hast means to repent. Thy afflictions shall direct you if the need prevails. If you hath fruit in thy hand of the adversarial tree, then ye hath need to repent. The Lord shall forgive thee and rebuke sin on thy behalf.
- Sacrifice the fruit: Visualize returning the evidence or the fruit of knowledge of evil and place it onto the altar of the Lord as a sacrifice. You must let go of this fruit, if you are to hold on to the iron rod and follow the path laid with obedience and sacrifice. What are you holding that implies distractive forces misleading thine eyes? Put down all that is adversarial to the Lord or distracting thine attention away from the Creator’s entrance into thine heart.
- The Iron Rod: Visualize walking the straight and narrow path and holding onto the iron rod symbolizing the word of God and the Savior’s outstretched hand. Christ is unified with the Father just as a vine is unified with the tree of life. Rejoice as this is the grafting process to once again become a branch fully unified with the tree of life. You bind yourself to Christ when you keep the commandments. Focus on the tree of life ahead and practice living under God’s authority and wisdom. The process is not rushed so your faith will strengthen daily and you’ll find joy in fulfilling His work.
- Love at home: Exaltation is eternal relationships, beginning with your family. Do not impart thine afflictions to another generation, allow the truths of God to manifest within their hearts. Keep your eyes on God and serve your family in His name and for His will. Whatsoever is sealed on earth, may be sealed in heaven so share the fruits of your labors with your family. If you are unified with the Savior and your family is unified with you, then your whole house has the light of God. Preach repentance one to another and God will support thy efforts in bringing thy family unto Him. The solution is always within thyself, as the time allotted is not yet spent. Open thy mouth and teach the little ones of His gospel, teach the youth of His mysteries and thy family tree shall be filled with life everlasting. This shall be the fruits of your labors; offering you much joy and rejoicing.
The Tree of Life
“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me.” (D&C 88:63)
Joy is not found in reshaping God to fit your image, but in letting Him reshape you to reflect His image. How will you ever reflect His image unless you are focusing on Him? There is nothing more rewarding than knowing how God loves you so you may know how to love others. There is no greater joy than shining His light on the mountaintop and proclaiming unto the world of God’s love!
When you focus your thoughts on loving God, you feel His love. When you focus your thoughts on talking with God, you hear Him. When you focus your thoughts on the word of God, you learn His ways. When you feel Him in your heart, hear Him in your thoughts and learn of God’s wisdom in all things, you’ll naturally attune to His will. When attuned with God’s will, you’ll begin reflecting Him in your countenance. When you reflect Him, the light of His countenance can abide with you. When He abides in you and you in Him, Love becomes a state of being as you represent God and share the light of His love. When sin no longer abides in you, Christ will no longer need to die on your behalf and then He can eternally live within you.
After Christ resurrected, He ministered unto His apostles, but He also ministered throughout other parts of the world and those records are within the Book of Mormon. The people of Nephi were gathered at the temple in great multitudes when a voice came out of Heaven saying, “Behold my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name - hear ye him.” (3 Nephi 11:7) He descended out of Heaven and said, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world.” (3 Nephi 11:10-11) Further accounts are written to serve as a second witness that God loves and speaks unto all men, not just one nation. “For I command unto all men, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them.” (2 Nephi 29:11) Such as this manual which has been written as a witness of God’s love and commitment to help all of His children return home. These are His words and His will as I am His humble servant, having been blessed by His work.
God is love and love is a process of unity with God, as it is not achieved alone, but shared. Nephi was “favored” by the Lord, but mortal misunderstanding sees division, where there is actually perfect love. One who’s “in favor of the Lord,” made a covenant to fulfill prophecy on behalf of the Lord. It’s a commitment made to God and with God, as a teacher leads and guides a student. The Lord doesn’t limit His blessings unto a hierarchy of His chosen, but for any who is willing to seek Him, they shall find Him. For any who is willing to commit to Him, He will commit to you. He’s genuinely excited to help you, His love is tender, genuine, long suffering, patient, and compassionate. Your spiritual gifts are designed to magnify one who is seeking God, prior to elevation, as God is the gifter who beholds the power to accelerate the growth, just as a blossom forms on the budding rose. All things begin with the knowledge that God loves you and there’s no need to fear when God is near.
John the Beloved, is a representation of one who beholds the complete love of God and thereby shall never die. “Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” (1 John 2:5) One who is “beloved” has been transformed into a tabernacle to behold the pure love of God in order to complete God’s mission. With God, there is no hierarchy, there are none who will be denied or praised above another. If you want to be His chosen, then choose Him! If you want to be taught by Him, then become teachable. God serves the wounded, the broken, and the lost, but He also serves the elect, the righteous, and the humble servants. We are all loved equally and perfectly by our Father and Creator. It is His love within you that can overcome and withstand any tribulation.
The Lord hath said: “God looketh upon the heart and the heart shall see God. When your heart has no power to dispute and love beyond measure is all that remains, you shall know this is God. Look within, I am here. I am the peace you seek. I have been with you and will be, always. The light of my love is the direction you seek. It is the pathway in the dark.” Trust that everything is perfectly orchestrated by the Creator of the universe, from the crushing heartbreak to the miraculous blessings.
- God’s love is a tree of life: God’s love is likened unto a tree of life in the Garden of Eden and in Lehi’s dream. Focus on the Lord and receive His love, like a steady stream of living water. Hold your hands over your heart and feel the breath of life within your body. Remember who you are, choose who you follow and who you reflect. You’re made out of pure love, life giving energy filled with His never ending light, and the stars above. You’ve existed for eternities in the past and will exist for eternities yet to come. You are a miracle, rejoice and give thanks to your Lord for His love is constant and true. As you seek God’s will and humble yourself to His wisdom, you’ll begin reflecting the Savior’s attributes. Reflecting the Savior’s love cannot wax cold as does the heart of man. Your light is rooted in God’s love which reflects His light.
- You are a reflection of God’s tree of life: You’re created in God’s image and you are more than just a reflection, but your own tree! Visualize yourself as a tree, rooted in the earth below and stretching towards the light of the Sun above. When you focus on God first, then you represent the tree of life. Love is a state of being, it’s your birthright. When you feel pure love rooted in God, then you become love. Other people will feel safe in your presence and feel inspired by God’s love. A tree bears fruit for anyone who chooses to partake. A tree doesn’t judge or force its fruit on others or limit the availability of the fruit based on worthiness. Love is a state of being which shines forth unto all the world to testify of God’s love. Loving others comes naturally as God loves all His children. God is love and you reflect His love when you focus on Him. The words and actions of others will not be limited unto your ears, as the heart shall feel God’s wisdom because God is the light and you are the lantern.
The Fruit of Life
“As I have loved you, love one another” (John: 13:34)
Jesus Christ is actively working to teach us God’s degree of glory. When you focus on loving God first, then you can feel His love for others. His love is perfect and unaffected by mortal imperfections. All things must exist spiritually before naturally manifesting in the flesh. Therefore, if you walk with God every day in your thoughts, you will naturally walk with the Savior on earth. Here’s a magnificent recipe, “I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.” (Acts 2:25)
I experienced a series of miracles while choosing to see myself like God’s tree of unconditional love. My son was in distress due to his health challenges and needed to feel the safety of my love. However, I was unable to feel love or peace because I felt frustrated over his behavior. I knew my son was suffering, but I couldn’t comfort him because my own suffering was too distracting. If I struggle to love a pure soul just because his tantrum was exhausting, then how could I ever love my neighbor? After many hours of OCD behavior and many tears, I surrendered and threw my arms up while exhaustedly exclaiming, “I’m a tree!” I focused on God’s tree of life, reflected His perfect love as a tree of life and surrendered all my inner turmoil at the cross. I felt love wash over me and sweep away the frustration. To my surprise, my son threw his hands up in the air to mimic me and he instantly snapped out of his meltdown. I realized my son had been focusing on me and when I focused on God, both of us were blessed by God’s infinite love. I cradled him in my loving arms, weeping in gratitude and humility to God. It was never about me, it was always about We.
The cross is a combination of vertical and horizontal, converging at the heart. The vertical represents reaching towards the light of God above, while rooted in the rock of the Redeemer. Christ descends to help us ascend and as we focus on Him, we reflect Christ. The vertical represents the fulfillment of the first commandment to love God and consequently bear His image. “Have you received His image in your countenance?" (Alma 5:14) The vertical must occur first, but cannot stand alone. The horizontal offers balance and represents stretching forth your arms in mercy and compassion towards one another, thus fulfilling the second commandment to love one another. Both lines converge at the heart of Christ for when you Love God, you’ll feel His love for others and desire to serve God’s people. When love abides in your heart, the fruits of your labors will be that of the natural fruit from the tree of life. When unified with one another as the body of Christ, you continue rising towards the Father to receive the crown of His glory.
The commandment isn’t just to focus on God, but to love God. When you focus on God and love God, show your love for Him by loving others. Then your heart’s desire will be to fulfill the Lord’s ministry and do His works. “God is love. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4: 8, 12) When you bless others, God blesses you, this is how God teaches us to live in His degree of glory. Blessings are shared with you so you can share blessings with others. Love is shared with you so you can share love with others. Joy is shared with you so you can share joy with others. When your heart is so full of God’s love, you will naturally begin to change from within, thus sharing God’s love. God is the peace inside your soul to inspire others. God’s love is spreading throughout the world and He will succeed. “Let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (3 Nephi 12:16) God inspires you to minister and thus He will meet all your needs to fulfill His purpose. Ministering strengthens your connection to the Spirit and elevates your connection to God. “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17)
His enduring love is the salt of the earth, preserved within you. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth. Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever.” (Moroni 7:45-47) Elevating unto the Lord cannot be attained when you’re isolated; flock together and find strength one to another. Let your light stand as a testament that remains stable even amongst war. The Savior can battle a vengeful bull or soften the stubborn goat. However, some wolves are actually sheep and some sheep are actually wolves. God is the judge who can direct your path to avoid the goats and He will offer all you need to feed the sheep. God will direct you towards those you are called to serve and away from those He is grafting elsewhere. You might love some of the lost sheep or the stubborn goats, but so does God. Trust that God also loves them and He will prune His vineyard.
The Lord hath said: “Your heart is weakened yet and won’t soften the heart of the stubborn wolf, but I can. This challenge for your tender heart will strengthen where you stand as the storm approaches. Wait till the great wolf falls, then when he falls upon your doorstep, know I brought him there. I shall have mercy upon thee and thy families. Serve those less than you and I will abundantly offer all you need. Seek ye not for riches of man, for man is evil. Seek the riches of God.”
I experienced a series of miracles while choosing to see myself like God’s tree of unconditional love. My son was in distress due to his health challenges and needed to feel the safety of my love. However, I was unable to feel love or peace because I felt frustrated over his behavior. I knew my son was suffering, but I couldn’t comfort him because my own suffering was too distracting. If I struggle to love a pure soul just because his tantrum was exhausting, then how could I ever love my neighbor? After many hours of OCD behavior and many tears, I surrendered and threw my arms up while exhaustedly exclaiming, “I’m a tree!” I focused on God’s tree of life, reflected His perfect love as a tree of life and surrendered all my inner turmoil at the cross. I felt love wash over me and sweep away the frustration. To my surprise, my son threw his hands up in the air to mimic me and he instantly snapped out of his meltdown. I realized my son had been focusing on me and when I focused on God, both of us were blessed by God’s infinite love. I cradled him in my loving arms, weeping in gratitude and humility to God. It was never about me, it was always about We.
The cross is a combination of vertical and horizontal, converging at the heart. The vertical represents reaching towards the light of God above, while rooted in the rock of the Redeemer. Christ descends to help us ascend and as we focus on Him, we reflect Christ. The vertical represents the fulfillment of the first commandment to love God and consequently bear His image. “Have you received His image in your countenance?" (Alma 5:14) The vertical must occur first, but cannot stand alone. The horizontal offers balance and represents stretching forth your arms in mercy and compassion towards one another, thus fulfilling the second commandment to love one another. Both lines converge at the heart of Christ for when you Love God, you’ll feel His love for others and desire to serve God’s people. When love abides in your heart, the fruits of your labors will be that of the natural fruit from the tree of life. When unified with one another as the body of Christ, you continue rising towards the Father to receive the crown of His glory.
The commandment isn’t just to focus on God, but to love God. When you focus on God and love God, show your love for Him by loving others. Then your heart’s desire will be to fulfill the Lord’s ministry and do His works. “God is love. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4: 8, 12) When you bless others, God blesses you, this is how God teaches us to live in His degree of glory. Blessings are shared with you so you can share blessings with others. Love is shared with you so you can share love with others. Joy is shared with you so you can share joy with others. When your heart is so full of God’s love, you will naturally begin to change from within, thus sharing God’s love. God is the peace inside your soul to inspire others. God’s love is spreading throughout the world and He will succeed. “Let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (3 Nephi 12:16) God inspires you to minister and thus He will meet all your needs to fulfill His purpose. Ministering strengthens your connection to the Spirit and elevates your connection to God. “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17)
His enduring love is the salt of the earth, preserved within you. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth. Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever.” (Moroni 7:45-47) Elevating unto the Lord cannot be attained when you’re isolated; flock together and find strength one to another. Let your light stand as a testament that remains stable even amongst war. The Savior can battle a vengeful bull or soften the stubborn goat. However, some wolves are actually sheep and some sheep are actually wolves. God is the judge who can direct your path to avoid the goats and He will offer all you need to feed the sheep. God will direct you towards those you are called to serve and away from those He is grafting elsewhere. You might love some of the lost sheep or the stubborn goats, but so does God. Trust that God also loves them and He will prune His vineyard.
The Lord hath said: “Your heart is weakened yet and won’t soften the heart of the stubborn wolf, but I can. This challenge for your tender heart will strengthen where you stand as the storm approaches. Wait till the great wolf falls, then when he falls upon your doorstep, know I brought him there. I shall have mercy upon thee and thy families. Serve those less than you and I will abundantly offer all you need. Seek ye not for riches of man, for man is evil. Seek the riches of God.”
- Love yourself: Focus on loving God and you’ll feel His love for you radiate through your being. Trust in His love and ask the angels to be your fortress. Offer your gratitude and humility to the Lord.
- Love others: Focus on God as the tree of life, then you’ll feel His love for others. Express your love for God, by sharing His love through acts of charity. The fruits of your labors; your deeds and acts of love, are becoming the fruit from the tree of life. God will direct you because He knows the needs of all His children. Partaking of the fruit from the tree of life is a process of becoming one with the Lord’s will to bless all His children. When the fruit of your labors is that of the natural fruit from the Lord’s tree, then you have accomplished all that you came here to do.
- Charity: Practice seeing God within each person you meet. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40) How might you treat others differently, if you didn’t see their flaws, but their divinity? When you are humble enough to know the Lord’s blessings and surrender to His will, then He will meet your needs so you can offer acts of charity on His behalf. This is how God ministers to each of us so beautifully without infringement upon agency. When your heart is full of compassion for others, without interference of personal distractions, then respect for the divine nature of each soul will overpower all lust or greed.
- Judgement: If you catch yourself gossiping or judging another, quickly repent. This is done by recognizing the error, surrender, ask the Lord to conquer your weaknesses and reverently ask the Lord to forgive you. Honestly, desire to respect the Lord by respecting all of His children, without fail.
- The Lord hath said: “Be my mouth to teach, be my hands to serve, be my heart to love.” Will you give your heart to Christ so you can bear His name and represent Him? With great power comes great responsibility so whatever God directs you to do or say, practice following through as best as you can and show God that you are committed to His plan. He will send angels to help lift you up so you can help lift others up and together rise towards God. There are many who cannot hear Him, but you are blessed to represent Him and bear His name. Practice listening to the Spirit and follow through with the Lord’s will as He desires to bless all His children: including the poor, the sick, and the afflicted. “Ask for the Lord’s help and guidance to represent Him honorably and in the best way.” (Elder Christopherson) In return you’ll receive the measure of His support and miracles aplenty. If you need blessings, offer blessings to the least of these and you’ll receive your reward.
- When trials befall you: Inner peace is rooted in God’s perfect grace, not in a perfect society. Refocus on God daily and reflect His tree of life in your countenance and share the fruit of God’s love. Prayerfully fill your thoughts with His words in scripture. Then in the face of adversity you’ll feel inner peace and remain unshaken. Revelation will guide you so you may represent Him and bear His name to fulfill His will. Miracles beyond your wildest imagination will bring together God’s children to build the Kingdom of God on earth, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13)
Turn the Other Cheek
Returning evil for evil multiplies evil, adding darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
I experienced another grand miracle while reflecting God’s perfect love as a tree of life. I found myself in the presence of a person with whom our history dictates much emotional distress and we both might call one another enemies. We each have incriminating evidence on the other and desire accountability and apologies from the opposing parties. However, I continued focusing on God and reflecting His tree of life and love in my countenance. God’s peace, safety and love remained unfaltering within me. My soul rejoiced in gratitude for God’s miracles as love blossomed within my heart for my enemy. This experience taught me that love isn’t something we give or take, nor is it forced upon another. To God, every soul is precious and as I focus on reflecting God in my countenance, then feeling God’s perfect love becomes a state of being that’s not contingent on circumstance or mortal imperfections. If your enemy is focusing on you and you’re focusing on God, then both are blessed by the perfect love of God. “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good unto them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good.” (3 Nephi 12:44-45)
Job was righteous and loved the Lord, but when life’s trials came upon him, he still crumbled under the weight of tribulations. Job asked God for understanding and God taught Job, but the knowledge of God’s omnipotent power didn’t change the weight of grief in Job’s heart. The trials changed Job’s heart to rely on God and trust in God’s love. The commitment to cooperating with God, opened his heart to receive the miracle of God’s love. Job’s compassion towards his “frenemies” was a testament to the Lord that he was sufficiently humble to abide with the Lord. Job gave all he had to the Lord and no longer opposed God, but agreed with God’s wisdom in all things. The abundance of God's support naturally flowed to bestow unlimited blessings upon Job.
No matter your journey or the depth of your sorrow, you are deeply loved by your Creator who still lovingly calls you His children and He is still your Father. The Father has not been wrath with you, nor should you be wrath with your enemy. The Lord hath said, “He that looketh on the heart, shall feel its message unto the ears. Do not look upon those whom you are called to love and say unto yourselves, nor can I or will I love such a feeble person with hate in their heart. Nay, love is the freedom within your heart, not the earnings of the other. Love is freedom unto yourself, hate is imprisonment unto yourself. Neither exist outside your heart. If ye seek joy, choose love for one another.”
Love isn’t judgement or approval of sin, nor is it forced righteousness or expected obedience. The bluntness of good vs evil is blurred when your internal struggle with justifiable anger seeks vengeance. Anyone who expects perfection from others or thyself, shall remain in a state of torment, disappointment and eternal conflict as the darkness is a reflection of the great deceiver. Not all people will choose God, so, “agree with thine adversary quickly while thou art in the way with him.” (Matthew 5:25) Darkness cannot comprehend light, nor should light try to comprehend the darkness. The only way to extinguish the torment of evil is with extreme acts of kindness, generosity and perfect love. Jesus Christ calls us His friends, because without love, charity and service is void.
To behold, is a term used to express what you focus on and what lies within. What we behold spiritually, will manifest physically. When you focus on the evil of the world, you’re reflecting the great deceiver and fighting an endless battle as the spirit war rages on. The serpent declared himself God of this world to reign as a pseudo-king who leads many astray; feasting on suffering, contention and violence to torment his reflected images. God’s love can overcome every battle and guide through the midsts of darkness. Press forward steadfast in His love to overcome the reflection that burdens your soul. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18) Focus on God; His reflection is a suit of armor which elevates above dark influences so they have no power over you. This reflection shares love, peace and blessings to multiply life. “Ye are of God and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Let’s practice maintaining a state of love in the presence of opposition so that when you are faced with extreme circumstances, you are prepared:
- Refocus on God: Always remember your choice; there’s plenty of evidence and your reflection matters as it becomes your salvation or your destruction. Shake off the reflection that torments your soul and cast it out, “Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not.” (Moses 1:16) Deny all that is adversarial to God and repent (follow the steps in section 1 and 2). Turn around and face the tree of life so God’s image is your focus and thus your reflection. In order to maintain inner peace amidst turmoil, you must always focus on God first. Sing your favorite hymn, read the scriptures and learn the things of God so that your mind is filled with the words of God. Showing your love for God is shown in the fruits of your labors and if you are holding onto the iron rod while focusing on the tree of life, your fruits will be that of God’s tree. This is the only way.
- Turn the other cheek: Maybe turning the other cheek is just turning your attention back onto God when someone hurts you. The next time you’re trapped in conflict, stop and turn away from the battle and turn your focus towards God. Repent with sections 1 and 2. Strengthen your roots by reading the scriptures and praying. Do not focus on your problems, focus on the things of God. Then one day, it’ll come naturally and you’ll turn the other cheek when extreme conflict arises and not be shaken.
- Pray for your enemy: This prayer reflects your devotion to God without an agenda for the opposing party. The greatest example came from Alma who experienced a similar situation and offered an incredible prayer, “O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people. O Lord, wilt thou comfort my soul. O Lord, their souls are precious… give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.” (Alma 31: 31-35) As a result God provided for all their needs so they could serve their fellow man without any afflictions.
- Give away all you hath: I visited a friend of mine one day and noticed all his furniture was gone. His home was completely empty. I inquired and he shared a story of a man who came to his AA meeting. This man had just gotten out of jail and he had nothing. So my friend gave away all he had, sparing nothing. I asked what he planned to do next and my friend said he wasn’t worried about himself, in fact, he still wanted to offer more than he even had to give. This man taught me what it means to have the heart of Christ; he felt no judgement, only charity. I pray that one day I will have the courage to do likewise.
- Go the extra mile: Your relationship with God must be your top priority. Trust in Him and go the extra mile in your endeavors for God. Nourish this relationship, keep a prayer in your heart and feast on His words. If a storm in your life takes everything from you, this is an opportunity to embrace the loss and rejoice that God is refining you so He can put you back together into His work of art. He gives no commandments without a way to fulfill them so love God first and all will fall into place.
Rise Above the World
Isaiah hath said: “The Lord testifies truth to the heart and bears witness to the soul through imagery.”
The Lord calls His people Zion because they have one heart single to God and act in unity, one with another. “The unity we seek is not to have everyone stand in the same place; it is to have everyone face the same direction.” (Elder Dieter F. Uchdorf) Jesus Christ had a vision for the world, one that many have rejected, but we are soon to embrace. In past days, many misunderstood the realization of this glorious Kingdom in which each of us shall become His temple to dwell within us. Then the world will become God’s throne to reign in peace and glory. Brothers and sisters, we are exponentially blessed to be the very generation to set this dream into realization, as this is the dispensation where the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is available for all men to partake.
“Do you realize the breadth and scope of your influence when you speak those things that come to your heart and mind as directed by the Spirit? We need women who can detect deception in all of its forms, women who can speak with the power and authority of God, women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven. We need women who have a bedrock understanding of the doctrine of Christ and who will use this understanding to teach and help raise a sin-resistant generation. We need women who have the courage and vision of our Mother Eve.” (President Russell M. Nelson, October 2015, A Plea to My Sisters)
God desires to restore your purity so He can reveal clarity to your mind and you can comprehend His wisdom. Personal revelation is perfectly designed to unify the children of God with the Father and with one another. You might be spiritually empathic and unsure how to manage the emotional dysregulation you feel. You might have visions or the capacity to see with your mind’s eye, but oftentimes that’s sporadic. You might receive revelation through your thoughts or an instant understanding. Whatever your spiritual gift may be, practice this gift unto mastery, before another will be opened unto you. Oftentimes the mastered gift will be dimmed so another may grow in strength. Gifts of the spirit are designed to be used for God’s purposes, thus advancement of your spiritual gifts occurs when adhering to the council offered by the Lord and then advancing your knowledge of God. When you learn how to use your gifts, they can become your greatest asset. The basics of personal revelation offers 3 witnesses to reveal a thorough understanding unto the heart, mind, and spirit; aiding in unifying your own soul.
My story can be converted into a parable, to create an image in your mind. Seeing my story in your mind’s eye strengthens spiritual sight and allows God to speak to your soul. Parenthood is likened to a garden. The gardener asks the Lord for 10 seeds to plant into the soil. The first seed developed much strength through adversity, but grew into a beautiful plant that bears good fruit and offers shade to the garden. The second seed struggled to mature, but with encouragement bears sweet and tender fruit. The third seed faced a great storm and bears wild fruit, but the gardener committed to the plant despite the thorns and now this plant is blossoming. The youngest seed requires constant support, but is cherished among the entire garden as this plant brings joy to the entire garden and abides in a state of innocence. Four seeds did not sprout and the gardener wept, for it grieveth the gardener to lose these plants. Two seeds grew in a nearby garden, both grew into strong plants with good fruit, which pleaseth the gardener. The gardener labors diligently, showing love unto the Lord, by tending to the 10 seeds the Lord hath bestowed upon the gardener. The Lord also loves this garden and bestows many gardens to be likened unto its own.
The more you practice, the stronger this “muscle” will become, making it easier to see, feel and learn the deeper mysteries of God in the scriptures. The mysteries of God are found within the gospel, but taught to the spiritual mind, felt with the spiritual heart, and seen with the spiritual eyes. Another example is speech therapy for my son due to his hearing impairment to help him develop communication skills. The parable would be: when two come together in love and thus create another likened unto the two, the third may bear no sound. Those blessed with sound shall come together with the wealth offered unto them, offering service unto the third. The Lord delighteth in the purity of the third. When many come together to serve the Lord thy God by caring for the least of these; their tongues may be loosened, their hearts softened and sound restored, each according to His will.
The mustard seed is likened unto the kingdom of God as it starts small, but grows into a tree. It’s also likened unto faith to move a mountain and a tree that would uproot unto the sea. I might read these parables and struggle to understand them, but determination strengthens my commitment. I might learn the process of growth for a seed, then ponder my own personal progression. I might think of having faith in God in reference to cooperation with His will. I might start to feel ways that I feel small and need God’s strength to overcome big obstacles. The truth is I am still a sprout likened unto my Father’s tree, but I can have the heart of the mighty mustard seed. The miracle of the parable naturally unites a discussion and a unified view of peace to maintain the Spirit of God and expand the mind through God’s magnificent wisdom.
In the beginning of this manual, I shared the parable of my son at Physical Therapy. The wobbly board was the trial, but the purpose was the development of muscle tone. Intensive physical therapy was extremely difficult and exhausting for my son and it was a huge sacrifice of my time, energy and finances. It could have felt like a burden that needed to be eliminated from my schedule, thus blocking the spirit from teaching me. But as I focused on God, the spirit taught me and I began radiating God’s peace and love. As my son looked to me for direction, he felt this safety and trusted in my love for him. The result of therapy not only developed his muscle tone, but the experience strengthened my faith. No matter the demands or distractions in your life, if you’re committed to God, He will commit to you! You don’t have to overcome a million things first, you just need to know how to listen when God talks to you in His way. The burden wasn’t changed so I could succeed, God used the burden to change me so WE could succeed.
“Do you realize the breadth and scope of your influence when you speak those things that come to your heart and mind as directed by the Spirit? We need women who can detect deception in all of its forms, women who can speak with the power and authority of God, women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven. We need women who have a bedrock understanding of the doctrine of Christ and who will use this understanding to teach and help raise a sin-resistant generation. We need women who have the courage and vision of our Mother Eve.” (President Russell M. Nelson, October 2015, A Plea to My Sisters)
God desires to restore your purity so He can reveal clarity to your mind and you can comprehend His wisdom. Personal revelation is perfectly designed to unify the children of God with the Father and with one another. You might be spiritually empathic and unsure how to manage the emotional dysregulation you feel. You might have visions or the capacity to see with your mind’s eye, but oftentimes that’s sporadic. You might receive revelation through your thoughts or an instant understanding. Whatever your spiritual gift may be, practice this gift unto mastery, before another will be opened unto you. Oftentimes the mastered gift will be dimmed so another may grow in strength. Gifts of the spirit are designed to be used for God’s purposes, thus advancement of your spiritual gifts occurs when adhering to the council offered by the Lord and then advancing your knowledge of God. When you learn how to use your gifts, they can become your greatest asset. The basics of personal revelation offers 3 witnesses to reveal a thorough understanding unto the heart, mind, and spirit; aiding in unifying your own soul.
- Heart: The Lord testifies to the heart through the Holy Ghost. This gift can be strengthened as you relate to others, offer compassion, and love others.
- Mind: The Lord teacheth a pure mind to understand His wisdom. Commitment to gaining knowledge grows discernment, self-awareness, and God’s light.
- Spirit: The Lord bears witness to the mind’s eye through imagery. The gift of spiritual sight can be strengthened with visualizations while allowing your spirit to guide.
My story can be converted into a parable, to create an image in your mind. Seeing my story in your mind’s eye strengthens spiritual sight and allows God to speak to your soul. Parenthood is likened to a garden. The gardener asks the Lord for 10 seeds to plant into the soil. The first seed developed much strength through adversity, but grew into a beautiful plant that bears good fruit and offers shade to the garden. The second seed struggled to mature, but with encouragement bears sweet and tender fruit. The third seed faced a great storm and bears wild fruit, but the gardener committed to the plant despite the thorns and now this plant is blossoming. The youngest seed requires constant support, but is cherished among the entire garden as this plant brings joy to the entire garden and abides in a state of innocence. Four seeds did not sprout and the gardener wept, for it grieveth the gardener to lose these plants. Two seeds grew in a nearby garden, both grew into strong plants with good fruit, which pleaseth the gardener. The gardener labors diligently, showing love unto the Lord, by tending to the 10 seeds the Lord hath bestowed upon the gardener. The Lord also loves this garden and bestows many gardens to be likened unto its own.
The more you practice, the stronger this “muscle” will become, making it easier to see, feel and learn the deeper mysteries of God in the scriptures. The mysteries of God are found within the gospel, but taught to the spiritual mind, felt with the spiritual heart, and seen with the spiritual eyes. Another example is speech therapy for my son due to his hearing impairment to help him develop communication skills. The parable would be: when two come together in love and thus create another likened unto the two, the third may bear no sound. Those blessed with sound shall come together with the wealth offered unto them, offering service unto the third. The Lord delighteth in the purity of the third. When many come together to serve the Lord thy God by caring for the least of these; their tongues may be loosened, their hearts softened and sound restored, each according to His will.
The mustard seed is likened unto the kingdom of God as it starts small, but grows into a tree. It’s also likened unto faith to move a mountain and a tree that would uproot unto the sea. I might read these parables and struggle to understand them, but determination strengthens my commitment. I might learn the process of growth for a seed, then ponder my own personal progression. I might think of having faith in God in reference to cooperation with His will. I might start to feel ways that I feel small and need God’s strength to overcome big obstacles. The truth is I am still a sprout likened unto my Father’s tree, but I can have the heart of the mighty mustard seed. The miracle of the parable naturally unites a discussion and a unified view of peace to maintain the Spirit of God and expand the mind through God’s magnificent wisdom.
In the beginning of this manual, I shared the parable of my son at Physical Therapy. The wobbly board was the trial, but the purpose was the development of muscle tone. Intensive physical therapy was extremely difficult and exhausting for my son and it was a huge sacrifice of my time, energy and finances. It could have felt like a burden that needed to be eliminated from my schedule, thus blocking the spirit from teaching me. But as I focused on God, the spirit taught me and I began radiating God’s peace and love. As my son looked to me for direction, he felt this safety and trusted in my love for him. The result of therapy not only developed his muscle tone, but the experience strengthened my faith. No matter the demands or distractions in your life, if you’re committed to God, He will commit to you! You don’t have to overcome a million things first, you just need to know how to listen when God talks to you in His way. The burden wasn’t changed so I could succeed, God used the burden to change me so WE could succeed.
- God is the source of all that is good for mankind. There is so much God wants to teach you, but discernment must grow from the knowledge of the Lord. Always start with a prayer, then study your scriptures to strengthen the light of truth. It took me 5 hours studying Matthew 25 before it started to click and then God opened my mind as I kept pondering the deeper meanings. When your heart is pure from repentance, you have an opportunity to comprehend the scriptures. Replace worldly chatter and fill your thoughts with God’s words! When you treasure the things of God, Heaven’s treasures will grow within you and miracles will naturally multiply in your life. Temptations will lose their power as you’re rising above the ways of the world and you will no longer be shaken in the face of adversity. When the world is evil, turn the other cheek and develop a relationship with the scriptures. Before you try to change the world, let the scriptures change you. This is just as important as eating everyday, your soul is starving for God’s light through His truth.
- Rise above the world: Partner your spiritual gifts with the purpose God intended and your spiritual gifts will blossom. The people in the scriptures are wonderful mentors and their stories began from tribulations, but they evolved into magnificent spiritual giants. You can’t comprehend Moses or Christ until you are balanced with them so start your lessons with someone you admire and aspire to, but at a point in their journey where you can relate eye to eye. Always start with learning from the scriptures and ask God for permission to spiritually witness their conversion so you can learn how to handle adversity likewise. You might see in your mind’s eye or feel empathy in your heart or relate in your thoughts. Struggle with them and learn how they respond to challenges, witness their faith and their miraculous results. This will take time and focus, don’t fret if it’s challenging to exercise personal revelation, it’s well worth the effort. Revelation is offered, not forced so be flexible. You’ll begin changing from the inside out and peaceful results will naturally follow in your physical life. You receive more light and knowledge, when you document the revelation being offered so WRITE IT DOWN! Here’s a few examples to get you started:
- You can relate to Jonah before the whale, but maybe not Jonah after the whale. Those three days transformed his testimony, ask the Lord if you may spiritually witness his conversion in the belly of the whale and learn alongside Jonah.
- You can relate to Lot’s wife especially if you fear the days when tribulations will increase and you might lose certain comforts. Don’t just seek confirmation that you’ll avoid tragedy, instead ask the Lord if you can spiritually witness Lot’s wife’s experience and learn from her tragedy. Your heart will begin to change.
- You might be able to relate more to the Pharaoh than Moses, but I hope you can learn from the tragedy of Pharoah’s selfish pride and recognize any destructive patterns. Our world will face a similar cleansing as the people of Moses or the times of Noah. Ask the Lord if you can learn from Moses or Noah or Lehi so you can become courageous and faithful when faced with similar challenges. Maybe you can relate to Moses’s mother when the wickedness of the world sought to kill her baby boy. She handled adversity righteously and you can learn how to elevate your faith to match hers, if you are blessed to witness her story.
- You can relate to living in a wicked world and trying to remain righteous. The city of Enoch didn’t fall into wickedness even when they were surrounded by enemies, in fact they were so Godly that they were taken into heaven. Ask the Lord if you can spiritually witness the manner in which they lived and learn from them.
- Understanding scripture can be challenging, especially the writings of Isaiah. I can testify that Isaiah LOVES to teach and is waiting for the opportunity to explain his writings to you. The heavens are full of angels, you might struggle to relate to Isaiah as an angel, but you can relate to him as a mortal. Ask the Lord if you can spiritually witness Isaiah writing his prophesies and learn from him.
- John the Beloved is also a fabulously loving mentor, if the opportunity is offered. If you haven’t read the testimony he’s already offered in the scriptures, then start there. Don’t skip the material he’s already provided or you won’t be able to receive further light and knowledge.
- You can relate to Jonah before the whale, but maybe not Jonah after the whale. Those three days transformed his testimony, ask the Lord if you may spiritually witness his conversion in the belly of the whale and learn alongside Jonah.
- Turn on some music and visualize how you think the second coming might happen. I like Yanni's Reflections of Passion when I visualize the second coming. The angels sound their trumps and rejoice in song. The animals bow down and the trees blossom. All men, women and children look heavenward. Then the clouds part to make way for Jesus Christ and the music intensifies as the Savior appears. As I’m marveling and looking heavenward, I begin to lift upward towards Him. He continues His descent and with a wave of His hand all evil is swept away. When His feet touch the ground, He approaches an old woman and her youth is restored. He touches a cripled child and they are healed instantly. Then Christ approaches you and stretches out His hand… What happens next?
Joy in the Gospel of Jesus Christ
If you love God, you shall also have love for one another.
The gospel of Jesus Christ helps you to rise above the ways of the world and the worldly influences, to live His ways. Blessed are they who seek after God with the mortal agency given unto man, thus your eyes shall be opened. “If your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you.” (D&C 88:67-68)
The Lord hath said: “The love of God is likened unto a mother’s love for her children. A mother naturally loves the children she bore and when one child goes astray, the mother’s love remains devoted. If that grown child injures a fellow companion, love grows cold in the presence of the tormented, but the mother’s love remains devoted to her beloved children. When a grown child flees far from thee and casts thy pearls before swine, the mother’s love remains devoted, but not the world as it seeks to destroy. Likewise, you shall be unable to love one another in the same manner the Father loves each of you, for it is God who loves His children perfectly. Trust in His redeeming love for not one soul shall be forgotten. If you glorify man for his talent and composure of tongue, will he love you in return? Nay, only God’s love is without condition and without end. Therefore, praise not idols, nor seek ye riches of the world for they lead into temptation, but God’s enduring love leadeth into eternal life. Amen.”
